10 Jun 2015 15:30
As part of its on-going commitment to minimise the environmental impact of its operations, Etihad Airways recently launched an Abu Dhabi Perfect Flight Program by conducting a fuel-optimised ‘Perfect Flight’ between Abu Dhabi and Washington, DC.
The airline worked closely with more than 30
stakeholders, including civil aviation authorities, airports, ground service
providers and air navigation providers, along the entire flight of over 11,000
kilometres, which took 13 hours and 32 minutes – one of Etihad Airways’ longest
routes.
The UAE-based partners include Abu Dhabi Airport, Abu
Dhabi Department of Transport (DoT), General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)
and Global Aerospace Logistics – ANS. International partners were Boeing,
Eurocontrol, the US Federation Aviation Authority (FAA), Finavia, Irish
Aviation Authority, Isavia, Jeppesen, Metropolitan Washington Airports
Authority, NATS and NAV CANADA.
This flight, the first of a series of perfect flights,
was operated by Etihad Airways’ eco-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner and used a
host of fuel and emission-saving measures in the air and on the ground. These
include optimised ground handling at both ends of the journey and maximising
efficiency opportunities in route and altitude selection.
As a result, the airline saved an estimated eight
minutes on the route, 4,100 litres of fuel and 10,700 kilograms of carbon
emissions, compared to the same aircraft flying a normal flight plan.
Other environmental best practices deployed include
reducing the use of the onboard auxiliary power unit (APU), minimising
on-ground delays, utilising expedient taxi and preferential runways and
conducting unimpeded climb and descent paths. Real-time updates of current
weather and wind conditions also allowed the flight crew to optimise their
flight path.
HE Mohamed Hareb Al Yousef, DoT’s Executive Director -
Aviation, said: “Reducing aviation emissions is a win-win for everyone. Etihad
Airways’ Perfect Flight program is a prime example of how airlines,
governments, manufacturers, technology providers and airports can work together
to achieve that common goal.
"Such
initiatives are in line with UAE’s vision for sustainable aviation of reducing
the industry’s carbon footprint, capitalising on existing technologies and
developing shared performance metrics.”
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief
Executive Officer, said: “We are always seeking opportunities to optimise our
flights wherever we can, and working in collaboration is the only means to
ensure effective, meaningful improvements.
“We are very pleased to combine our efforts with
several industry partners, to improve the efficiency and sustainability of
aviation through the implementation of modern aircraft technology and smarter
flight procedures, intended to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.”
HE Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the
GCAA, said: “The General Civil Aviation Authority is proud to support the Abu
Dhabi Perfect Flight program. The Sheikh Zayed Air Navigation Centre provided
necessary technical assistance to ensure the success of last week’s perfect
flight. The significance of the environment to the aviation sector continues to
grow, and there is every indication that this will continue. The Abu Dhabi
Perfect Flight program offers a tremendous opportunity for more
environmentally-friendly flights in the UAE aviation sector.”
Eng. Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive
Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “We are delighted to be a part of this
great initiative that plays an important role in reducing the aviation
industry's carbon footprint through the development of new operational
procedures benefiting from the technologically competitive services and
facilities we own. We believe it is very important to collaborate and align
interests to achieve the goals of UAE’s green economy ambition.”